NHS Logo
Bedfordshire and Luton Joint Formulary
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes ICB
03.04.01 Antihistamines
03.04.01 Non-sedating antihistamines

Cetirizine

First Choice

10mg Tablets - Available to purchase over the counter
5mg in 5mL Solution - Available to purchase over the counter

Entry reviewed May 2025

Loratadine

First Choice

10mg Tablets - Available to purchase over the counter
5mg in 5mL Syrup - Available to purchase over the counter

Entry reviewed May 2025

Fexofenadine
(Tablets)

Second Choice

120mg, 180mg

For use when first-line options not effective.

Entry reviewed May 2025

 

Non formulary items

Acrivastine

DNP
Non Formulary

Desloratadine (Neoclarityn®)

DNP
Non Formulary

Levocetirizine (Xyzal®)

DNP
Non Formulary

Mizolastine (Mizollen®)

DNP
Non Formulary
03.04.01 Sedating antihistamines
Classifications
May be initiated in any care setting
Specialist to advise therapy and provide first 28 days supply, continuation in Primary Care
Specialist to initiate and stabilise medicine prior to continuation in Primary Care
To be prescribed as per Shared Care Guidance. If no SCG in place status reverts to red.
Red medicines are designated as specialist only medicines which should only be prescribed by a specialist, usually within secondary care (either due to the requirement for specialist knowledge, long-term monitoring requirements, or restrictions that mean medicine supplies are only available to hospitals).
A decision has been made either locally and/or nationally not to routinely commission this preparation. Do not prescribe.
To be purchased over the counter. May be prescribed for chronic, long term conditions or on admission to hospital if essential.